Top Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Philadelphia guide.

1. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
2. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. BR Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to Illinois

Planning a move from Pennsylvania to Illinois? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,351 and $4,853. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,882 and $6,673 for the same journey (PA to IL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,577 to $9,974.

Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Illinois

Moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $942 and $2,260. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,628 to $3,364. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,341 up to $4,467. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to Illinois

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $687 and $1,253. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $689 and $1,548. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $918 and $1,876.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 21% higher than in Philadelphia.
• The home prices in Chicago are 36.3% higher than in Philadelphia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 1.2% higher than in Philadelphia. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 43.6% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 49.7% higher than in Philadelphia.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 15.09% lower than in Philadelphia.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 28.13% higher than what you are paying in Philadelphia.
• State income taxes in Chicago are 61.24% higher than in Philadelphia.

• Chicago's population is about 71% greater than Philadelphia.
• Chicago's public transportation has a similar score to Philadelphia.
• Chicago and Philadelphia are similarily walkable.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 35.19 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
• Chicago and Philadelphia are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.